Featured News Headlines
Ethereum May Slash Slot Times in Half by 2026: Here’s What Could Change
Ethereum Eyes 6-Second Block Times – An Ethereum core developer has proposed cutting block slot times in half, from 12 seconds to 6 seconds, as part of Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 7782, aiming for inclusion in the Glamsterdam upgrade expected in late 2026.
The proposal, discussed on June 21 by ETH researcher Barnabé Monnot, would adjust subslot timings across the network to accelerate transaction confirmations and improve user experience. According to Monnot, “shorter slot times make the confirmation service better” and could boost Ethereum’s overall economic value as a settlement layer.
Faster Blocks, Better User Experience
By reducing the slot time to six seconds, ETH would allow new blocks to be proposed twice as often. This change would lead to faster transaction inclusion, quicker price updates on DEXs, and a more responsive on-chain experience across wallets, dApps, and layer-2 solutions.
The Everstake team noted that shorter intervals also improve data freshness and make censorship more difficult, as more block producers would operate per minute.
Impacts on DeFi and Network Efficiency
A faster block cadence could greatly benefit DeFi protocols, enhancing market efficiency and reducing arbitrage-related losses. Monnot added that this would lead to increased liquidity in automated market makers (AMMs) and lower trading fees, further strengthening Ethereum’s network effects.
Technical Tradeoffs and Subslot Adjustments
EIP-7782 proposes cutting three subslot timings:
- Block proposal: 4s → 3s
- Attestation: 4s → 1.5s
- Aggregation: 4s → 1.5s
While these changes improve speed, they could challenge slower validators, increase bandwidth demands, and risk network congestion during peak periods. Extensive testing would be required to maintain network stability and avoid issues with smart contracts.
As the Glamsterdam upgrade remains in early design phases, EIP-7782 stands as a bold step toward making Ethereum faster and more scalable for the future.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.
